Intern in the Ground Systems Engineering & Innovation Department - Lunar Image Super-Resolution

Intern in the Ground Systems Engineering & Innovation Department - Lunar Image Super-Resolution

Job Requisition ID: 21143

Date Posted: 1 November 2026

Closing Date: 30 November 2026 23:59 CET/CEST

Publication Method: External Only

Type of Appointment (learn more):

Directorate: Operations

Workplace:

Darmstadt, DE

Location

ESOC, Darmstadt, Germany

Our team and mission

The Mission Analysis Section is the solution architect for future terrestrial, lunar, minor-body and interplanetary missions, as well as scientific missions to other planets or missions to the libration points. The emphasis is on trajectory optimisation and attitude-related aspects, and on providing solutions for the spacecraft itself, the ground segment design, and operations preparations.

In recent years, the section has expanded its activities towards lunar surface analysis, supporting landing site selection, hazard assessment, and mission design for future Moon missions.

Candidates interested are encouraged to visit the ESA website: http://www.esa.int

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Future lunar missions require detailed knowledge of the surface environment for landing site selection and mission planning. However, the spatial resolution of existing lunar orbital imagery limits the detection and characterisation of sub-pixel scale terrain features, posing a risk to landing safety.

The objective of this internship is to investigate and develop methodologies for generating enhanced-resolution lunar surface imagery, by exploiting the slight differences in spacecraft position and camera pointing between repeated observations of the same area under similar lighting conditions. The working hypothesis is that reconstruction of surface details at a higher effective resolution than that of the original sensor should be achievable.

As an intern, you will have the following tasks:

• Review state-of-the-art techniques for multi-image super-resolution and image reconstruction;
• investigate the characteristics and limitations of existing lunar image datasets;
• utilise algorithms for precise image registration and sub-pixel alignment of lunar orbital imagery;
• implement reconstruction techniques combining multiple observations into enhanced-resolution products;
• assess the influence of illumination conditions, viewing geometry and image quality on reconstruction performance;
• validate the generated products using higher-resolution reference datasets where available;
• evaluate the potential benefits for lunar landing site characterisation, terrain mapping and hazard assessment.

Behavioural competencies

Result Orientation

Operational Efficiency

Fostering Cooperation

Relationship Management

Continuous Improvement

Forward Thinking

For more information, please refer to ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook

Education

You must be a university student, preferably in your final or second-to-last year of university course at Master's level. In addition, you must be able to prove that you will be enrolled at your university for the entire duration of the internship.

Additional Requirements

The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another ESA Member State language is an asset.

During the interview, your motivation for applying to this role will be explored.

Knowledge and background in the following is an asset:

• Python / C++ coding;
• image processing.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness

ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.

At the Agency we value diversity, and we welcome people with disabilities. Whenever possible, we seek to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support at the workplace. The Human Resources Department can also provide assistance during the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact us via email at [email protected].

Important Information and Disclaimer

During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests.

The information published on ESA’s careers website regarding internship conditions is correct at the time of publication. It is not intended to be exhaustive and may not address all questions you would have.

Nationality

Please note that applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Applicants from Canada as a Cooperating State can apply as well as those from Bulgaria, Croatia and Malta as European Cooperating States (ECS).

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